Cannon Helps Raise Over $10,000 for IPSTP

Soccer Silicon Valley and Joe Cannon raised over $10,000 for
the Independent Peer Socialization Training Program (IPSTP) during a World Cup viewing party hosted by Georgie
Huff in San Jose, Calif. Sunday afternoon during the Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
match.

The co-sponsored event brought together Earthquakes players,
Lars Frederiksen of the band Rancid, Soccer Silicon Valley and various other
local dignitaries for a community viewing party to help raise money for kids
afflicted by autism.

“I’m just overwhelmed seeing all of my friends here, my
teammates and all the support this event received,” Cannon said. “Ever since I
got back to San Jose, I’ve wanted to give more to the community. Hopefully
we can try to build off of this successful day in years to come. “

Among the many donated items that helped make the event a success, the silent auction included signed Jimmy Conrad, Joe Cannon and Landon Donovan jerseys, an iPod
and the chance to drink a pint with Chris Wondolowski and Chris Leitch or
Arturo Alvarez and Jason Hernandez.

The day began with a brunch that included eggs, sausage
links, fresh fruit, juice, mimosas and an omelet station. Folks in attendance took a chance to mingle prior to kickoff
of the Brazil vs. Ivory Coast match at 11:30 a.m., enjoying the beautiful
surroundings of the Huff residence.

Two tents were set up with seats and high
definition TVs. Toward the back of the crowd, a
patio doubled as the bar and staging area for speeches by Cannon and other
dignitaries.

At halftime, Agnes Lull, a counselor at Olinder Elementary
in San Jose and a native Brazilian, treated the gathering to a samba
demonstration. Later, Quakes defender Jason Hernandez livened things up with
his own rendition of the samba, stepping along with Lull before bowing out to
claps and cheers.

Chants for an encore performance with fellow defender Ike
Opara were met by a boyish grin from the rookie. Although Opara skipped on the
dancing, he and other Quakes players mingled, signed autographs and posed for
photos with Quakes fans in attendance.

“If you missed this event, you’re going to be kicking
yourself, because it’s been fantastic,” said Soccer Silicon Valley President
Don Gagliardi. “It took a lot of work, but we’re really proud of the end
product and that money will go a long way for the Independent Peer
Socialization Training Program.”